Financial Literacy - Where Do We Even Begin?
Let’s face it—this question isn’t just coming from teenagers anymore. It’s echoing from young adults, parents, even grandparents. How do we get better with money? Why does it feel like we're all figuring this out way too late?
Here’s the reality: financial literacy should be a required class in school—but for most people, it never was. And because of that gap, many of us are fumbling through adulthood, reacting to financial crises instead of preparing for them.
I’m reminded of this quote:
“What you tolerate today, you will accept tomorrow. What you accept today, you embrace tomorrow. What you embrace today, you promote tomorrow.” — Hillary Morgan Ferrer
And right now? We’re living in a society that hasn’t just tolerated financial illiteracy—it’s accepted and embraced it.
Think about it: why is Dave Ramsey a household name? Because he’s become the Mr. Clean of money messes. We're constantly playing catch-up instead of getting ahead. It’s time to flip the script.
The Fix Starts at Home
“The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home.” — Harold B. Lee
We send kids to school expecting they’ll come out prepared for the “real world.” But guess what? The real world includes budgets, credit scores, and taxes—and most students graduate having no idea how any of that works.
That’s where you come in. Whether you're a parent, guardian, mentor, or just someone ready to do better—you don’t need a PhD in finance to make a difference. What you do need is a commitment to learning and teaching the basics.
10 Questions to Jumpstart Your Financial Literacy
Ask yourself (or your kids, your friends, your youth group) these questions. Answer them honestly. These aren’t just checkboxes—they’re stepping stones to financial confidence:
Do I know how to create and stick to a budget? What qualifies as an emergency expense?
Can I track spending with a check register or balance a checkbook (yes, it's still relevant!)?
Do I understand how credit works—and how to build and protect a good score?
Do I get how credit cards, interest rates, and compound interest can help or hurt?
Do I know the basics of home, renters, auto, and liability insurance?
Can I make sense of loan terms, interest payments, and amortization schedules?
Do I understand the time value of money and how inflation affects my savings?
Do I know how to handle taxes—when to file, how to file, and where to go for help?
Am I familiar with essential legal documents like a will, Durable Power of Attorney, and Medical POA?
Do I understand how health insurance works—and what kind I really need?
This Is Just the Beginning
No, this list isn’t everything—but it’s a solid foundation. If you can confidently answer these questions (and help someone else do the same), you’re already changing the future: for yourself, your family, and your community.
Financial illiteracy is the elephant in the room—but here’s the good news: it only takes a few peanuts to get that elephant moving.
Start small. Start today. Be the change you want to see in the world.
— Gandhi